Put the Garden to Bed
2023-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
It’s time to prepare the garden for the winter season! Pull the last plants, fill the compost bins, and pack things away for winter. There might even be some garlic to plant or seeds to harvest!
Remember to dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or dusty and wear layers, gardening is hard work and you will warm up fast.
Appropriate for ages 10 and up, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
RSVP Now.

Tree Planting Tuesday
2023-11-21 09:00 - 12:00
Help plant over 500 trees in the Croton Woods of Van Cortlandt Park with NYC Parks and VCPA!
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a satisfying morning of tree planting in the Croton Woods, enhancing the park’s ecology, one tree at a time.
VCPA will provide gloves and tools. Volunteers should bring water and wear appropriate footwear and long pants.
VCPA staff will meet volunteers at the southern end of the VC Golf House at 9am to walk up to the site.
RSVP Now!

Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-12-08 09:00 - 12:00
Help preserve the beautiful 640 acres of urban woodland in Van Cortlandt Park through our Forest Fridays initiative!
For December’s Forest Fridays we will be working in the Northeast Woods for two sessions on 12/8 and 12/15. We will meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground.
Working with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, community members can actively participate in maintaining the health of the Bronx’s forested landscape.
Join us to engage in hands-on, meaningful work such as removal of invasive trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and much more. Forest Fridays are not just about manual labor, they are a fantastic opportunity to learn about forest ecology and conservation while making a tangible difference!
All tools will be provided and no prior experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm, your love for nature, and plenty of water. Make sure to dress appropriately with long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
RSVP Now!
Please Note: We will leave the meeting location promptly at 9:15am. It will be difficult to find us afterwards so please arrive on time.

DIY Wreath Making Workshop
2023-12-16 11:00 - 14:00
Enjoy a Full Harvest-to-Wreath Experience!
Saturday, December 16 • 11 am to 2 pm
Rain Date: Sunday, December 17 • 11 am to 2 pm
Get Your Ticket(s) Now!
Let your creativity run wild while helping your favorite park!
After a short hike in the park to pull and collect invasive vines, learn how to mold the twisted woody vine into a wreath, ready to decorate with a mix of natural and artificial materials. Everyone goes home with a festive decoration. All supplies will be provided…you provide the creativity.

This is an outdoor event. Please dress for the weather.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Hot cocoa will be provided!

Fees
Please purchase 1 ticket for every person attending. Each person will take home a wreath.

General Admission (age 17+): $25*
Junior Admission (age 10 to 16): $15*. Must be accompanied by a paid adult with a General Admission ticket.

*Ticket price includes materials fee.
Cancellations/Refunds

Ticket sales will not be refunded and will be considered a donation to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance if you cannot attend the workshop on December 16th. (If your fee is converted to a donation, it will be considered fully tax-deductible.)
In the event of rain, the workshop will be moved to Sunday, December 17th and attendees will be notified the morning of the workshop.
If VCPA changes the date due to rain, you will have the option of a refund if you are unable to attend on December 17th.

Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up Day
2023-12-17 14:00 - 16:00
NEW DATE! Sunday, December 17!
Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep this doggie happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court!
NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs.
Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU!
Join us for a morning of weeding and cleaning to spruce up Canine Court.
VCPA provides all necessary gear. You bring the can-do attitude
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 252nd.
RSVP Now!

Hatsuhinode (初日の出): New Year’s Day Sunrise Hike and Meditation
2024-01-01 06:30 - 08:30
Welcome the New Year with a serene sunrise hike in VCP on January 1st. Embrace 2024 with hope and nature’s beauty.
Join us for a serene and reflective start to the New Year with the traditional Japanese Hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise of the year. Led by Yoshiko Mori and Noel Hefele, this special event embraces the beauty of new beginnings and nature’s awe-inspiring moments.
Gather at the VCPA Garden and Education Compost site at the first light of dawn to embark on a meditative walk to a scenic overlook. Surrounded by the tranquility of Van Cortlandt Park, we will welcome the first rays of sunshine, standing in the presence of the slowly brightening sky.
This event is not just a celebration; it’s a moment of hope and appreciation deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the wonders of our natural world. As we stand together and witness the day’s awakening, Yoshiko Mori will share insights into the significance of this time-honored tradition.
Please arrive prepared for the cold with extra layers and your favorite hot beverage to keep you warm as we observe the sunrise. After basking in the day’s first light, we will continue our journey along the Cass Gallagher trail, embracing the crisp morning air and the promise of the year ahead.
Space is limited, so RSVP Now to experience Hatsuhinode in Van Cortlandt Park.
BYOHB (Bring your own hot beverage!) Dress for the weather and for a steep hike.
Event Itinerary:
• 6:45 AM: Assemble at VCPA Garden
• 6:55 AM: Group walk to the overlook
• 7:15 AM: Sunrise appreciation and cultural narrative
• 7:45 AM: Optional walk along the Cass Gallagher trail
Note: Participants are free to leave at their leisure. This experience is an invitation to celebrate the New Year in communion with nature.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2024-01-03 10:00 - 13:00
Please Note! Starting in January, we will meet at 10am for Trail Work Wednesdays.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact!
Meeting Details:
Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Garden and Education Compost Site, across from Riverdale Stables on Wednesday 12/6 we will be meeting at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Park .
Time: 10 am sharp; work begins at 10:15 am
Activities Include:
Repairing cross country trail surfaces
Clearing debris and overgrowth
Ensuring trail safety and accessibility
What to Bring:
Sunscreen
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toed shoes
Water and a snack
Why Join Us?
Contribute to the vitality and safety of the trails you love! Engage with fellow community members, learn about trail maintenance, and enjoy the satisfaction of hands-on work in the great outdoors.
Necessary tools and gloves will be provided!
RSVP Now.

Multiflora Rose Removal at Van Cortlandt Park
2024-01-05 10:00 - 13:00
Please note that our event for Saturday January 20th has been canceled due to extremely cold weather forecast.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for our Forest Fridays and special Saturday this January, where we’ll tackle the pervasive Multiflora rose. Our efforts will focus on uprooting these invasive species, clearing the way for native wetland biodiversity to thrive.

Dates: Four Fridays in January and a special event on Saturday, January 20th
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Location: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Education Garden & Compost site.
What to Expect: Engaging in environmental restoration by removing Multiflora rose. They do have thorns, but we will try to avoid them by cutting and removing carefully.
What to Bring: Wear sturdy, thick clothing (preferably not nylon) to protect against thorns. Gloves and tools provided.

Be part of the change and help us restore the natural beauty of our urban oasis!
Bring your own hot beverage and wear plenty of layers!
RSVP Now.

Mulchfest 2024
2024-01-06 10:00 - 14:00
Chip It! Chip It Good!
Recycle your holiday tree by bringing it to Van Cortlandt Park, where the VCP Forest Restoration Crew will chip it into mulch! This event will take place on Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7 from 10am to 2pm in the “free lot” near the Van Cortlandt Golf Course; as you drive in from Bailey Avenue, it will be the first parking lot on your left.
Trees can be dropped off starting December 26, 2023. For more information about drop-off locations throughout the city, visit NYC Parks’ Mulchfest page.

Aralia Alata Removal in Woodlawn
2024-01-27 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for an impactful day of ecological restoration in the beautiful Van Cortlandt Park! Our focus will be on tackling the invasive species Aralia Alata, commonly known as “Devil’s Walking Stick,” which has increasingly dominated sections of the Northeast Forest of the park.
Come be a part of this vital effort to preserve and enhance the ecological health of the park. Your participation not only contributes to the park’s restoration but also offers a chance to learn about local ecology and connect with fellow community members who share a passion for environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a difference!
Meet at 9am in front of Woodlawn Playground.
RSVP Now.

Floodplain Fridays
2024-02-02 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for Floodplain Fridays – Phragmites Removal Initiative, where we’ll gather to push back against this persistent non-native species in Tibbetts Wetland.

We’re tackling the invasive Phragmites to make way for a more diverse ecosystem. By cutting back these reeds before the spring nesting season, we help push back against the monoculture of the phragmites and work towards maintaining a healthy balance in our wetlands.
Dates: Every Friday in February, plus two additional Thursdays (2/22 and 2/29)
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Meeting Point: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance office at Van Cortlandt Park Golfhouse
What to Bring: Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Don’t forget to bring your favorite hot beverage to stay warm!
Provided: Gloves, tools, and a brief educational talk about our local ecosystem and the importance of this work.
RSVP Now.

Cozy Winter Craft-ernoon
2024-02-22 13:00 - 15:00
Come lean into the Winter season with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance!
Create a snowy tree creation made of real tree branches and a fancy snowman wreath!
Or just color and warm up with some hot chocolate and sweets!
This program is open to children of ages 3-12 and their parents/caregivers.
All materials will be provided.
No RSVP Required for this FREE event.
Event will be held in Community Room 9 on Gale Place just past the intersection with Orloff Avenue in the Amalgamated Houses.

Bronx Parks Speak Up
2024-02-24 11:00 - 17:00
Join us at Bronx Coalition for Park and Green Spaces’ 30th Annual Bronx Park Speak Up.
Theme: A Conference on Parkland in the Bronx –> 30 Years Later
Location: Lehman College Faculty Dining Room, Music Building.
Visit the BCPGS website for more details.

Goodbye to Winter - Sunset Equinox Hike
2024-03-19 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for a magical equinox sunset hike in Van Cortlandt Park. This easy 1.5-mile hike to Vault Hill and back offers an unforgettable farewell to winter, enriched with plant identification and scenic views. Perfect for those looking to welcome spring with open arms.
Event Details:

When: March 19, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:34 PM
Where: Meeting spot – Van Cortlandt Golf House VCPA office.
Route: Scenic hike to Vault Hill, suitable for all fitness levels. Expect a moderate climb to reach Vault Hill.
Capacity: 25 participants. Registration required; waitlist available
Activities: Plant identification, visit to Vault Hill Cemetery, discussion on equinox significance. Collective send off to winter and welcome of spring.
What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, light-colored attire, camera, flashlights (if desired), and water.
RSVP Now.

Urban Environmental Challenge
2024-04-06 10:00 - 13:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Track Club for a hilly and rugged, technical race on the wooded trails of historic Van Cortlandt Park in the heart of the Bronx.
Where: Bib pick-up race start will be at the Tortoise and the Hare statue (500 yards north of the last stop on the 1 train at 242nd Street/Van Cortlandt Park); across from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake at 6087 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10471
Entry Fee: $ 35 online pre-registration: $40 on the day of the race
A portion of race proceeds will be dedicated to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s trail maintenance and youth programs.
Awards: Carrot cakes to first male and female finishers. Carrot cake muffins to top 3 finishers in each age group. All registered participants will receive a race souvenir.
Click here for more information or to register.

Talking to the Bones
2024-04-16 18:30 - 20:00
A reading by David Mills of poems about slavery in Manhattan where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the country is located.
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance presents a poetry reading by poet and Bronx byproduct David Mills.
Mills will read from his poetry collection, Boneyarn, the first-ever book of poems about slavery in New York City and winner of the 2022 North American Book Award. The reading will be held on the third floor of the Van Cortlandt House Museum, adjacent to an area identified as the quarters inhabited by the enslaved people who toiled and lived on the plantation.
The Enslaved People Project
This reading is part of a series of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s ongoing programs and continued efforts to educate the community about the Enslaved People of the Van Cortlandt Plantation.
About Boneyarn: New York City holds the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States—the Negro Burial Ground—which was open from 1712 to 1795 and is located in Wall Street’s shadows. Fifteen thousand enslaved and free Blacks, some Native Americans, and poor whites are buried there. Mills creatively “excavates” the tragedies and triumphs of New York’s enslaved and free Black community. He writes about those who toiled as cooks, childhood chimney sweeps, sailed the Atlantic, fought in the Revolutionary War, maintained African traditions when burying the dead, built the “wall” where Wall Street gets its name, and regrettably were dehumanized in life and sometimes desecrated in death. The collection also includes a suite of poems dedicated to Jupiter Hammon; born into slavery in New York, Hammon was the first Black poet published in North America.
About David Mills: David Mills holds an M.F.A. from Warren Wilson College and an M.A. from New York University in creative writing. He’s published four collections: Boneyarn (New York slavery poems), After Mistic (Massachusetts slavery poems), The Sudden Country and The Dream Detective. His poems have appeared in Ploughshares, Colorado Review, Fence, Crab Orchard Review, Jubilat, Callaloo, Brooklyn Rail, and Obsidian.
RSVP Now.
Space is limited so advance registration is required.
Special thanks to our hosts at the Van Cortlandt House Museum and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York who will provide light refreshments.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

Family Fun Day
2024-04-20 13:00 - 16:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association Present
Woodlawn Family Fun Day

Saturday, April 20
1PM to 4PM
Indian Field – Van Cortlandt Park

Live Music: Divi Roxx Kids
Face Painting
NYRR Mobile Van
Woodland Family Walks
Nature Crafts
Bocce
Games
And more to come!

RSVP Suggested.
Special thank you to our partners:

NYC Parks
Women of Woodlawn
Woodlawn Taxpayers Association
Council Member Eric Dinowitz
New York Road Runners

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

Pinkster's Legacy
2024-04-23 19:00 - 20:00
Tune in for a captivating discussion with local historians, Lavada Nahon and Chief Baba Neil Clarke, as we unravel the significance of Pinkster, exploring its cultural, social, and historical importance.From Pinkster’s roots in the traditions of enslaved Africans to its enduring impact on contemporary society, Nahon and Clarke offer invaluable insights into the enduring spirit of resilience and community that define this uniquely northeastern holiday. Hosted by VCPA’s Arts Integration Strategist Ashley Hart Adams on Zoom.
RSVP in advance to receive a zoom link.
We hope you’ll join us in person for our annual Pinkster Festival on Saturday, May 4th from 12PM-4PM on the picturesque lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum for a day filled with vibrant festivities, live music, engaging performances, and immersive experiences. Admission is FREE!
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
About Lavada Nahon: Lavada Nahon is the interpreter of African American history for The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-Bureau of Historic Sites. She is also a culinary historian focused on the 17th to 19th century mid-Atlantic region, with an emphasis on the work of enslaved cooks in the homes of the elite class. She has 18 plus years of public history experience working with a variety of historic sites, societies, and museums across the tri-state region. Lavada has developed educational programs, after-school programs, lectures and tours, period presentations and historic dinners for sites ranging from the New York Historical Society, Albany Institute of Art and History, Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, Johnson Hall, and many more. She worked as a museum associate and educator for Historic Hudson Valley for 12 years at Van Cortlandt Manor and Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills, and as a production coordinator for their special events team for 3 years. Her mission is to bring history to life by giving presence to the Africans and people of African descent enslaved and free in the landmass that was once New Netherland/New York in whatever way possible.
About Chief Baba Neil Clarke: Neil Clarke is internationally acclaimed as a percussionist involved with traditional African drumming and the percussive arts for more than half a century. In addition to his activities as a professional performer, Chief Baba Neil (as he is now affectionately called), has been active in arts in education programming for more than four decades as an educator and a consultant. He has conducted artist residencies and designed programming at all educational levels from elementary and middle school through secondary and college. he has served as a presenter and consultant for many of the major cultural institutions in the New York area including The Caribbean Cultural Center, the Museum of Natural History, and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, to name a few.

VCP BioBlitz: City Nature Challenge 2024
2024-04-27 10:00 - 13:00
Join us at the VCPA Garden and Compost Site for an exciting event as part of the global City Nature Challenge! This four-day bioblitz aims to gather as many observations of local wildlife and plants as possible, competing with cities and boroughs worldwide. Let’s band together to showcase the Bronx and Van Cortlandt Park’s rich biodiversity!
This year, we’re participating in the Greenspace Race, aiming to be the first NYC park to hit 5,000 recorded observations. Your contribution can help demonstrate why Van Cortlandt Park stands out among the city’s greenspaces.
While you can participate anytime during the challenge, our event on April 27th offers a unique opportunity. We’ll provide guidance on using the iNaturalist app effectively and share strategies for making valuable observations. Whether you prefer to explore the garden or venture into the Northwest Forest, your efforts will add to our growing database of over 40,000 observations, directly informing our conservation strategies and management practices.
At the end of the event, participants will gather to enjoy snacks and see how many observations we collectively made!
Gathering this ecological snapshot is crucial for our park’s future, offering a fun, educational experience for all involved.
To prepare:

Download iNaturalist and set up your account before the event. (Join Van Cortlandt Park Nature Network by searching in Projects)
Dress Appropriately: Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, and battery chargers if possible.

RSVP Now.
This is your chance to contribute to the City Nature Challenge, learn more about your local ecosystem, and help the Bronx claim the top spot. Join us in celebrating our park and our borough—let’s win those bragging rights together!
Questions? Email noel@vancortlandt.org.

Walk the Buried Brook
2024-04-27 14:00 - 15:30
Join City as a Living Lab, artist Kamala Sankaram, and special guests for a one-hour walk along the historic path of Tibbetts Brook. The walk will feature a discussion and listening event for The Buried Brook app, available now in Van Cortlandt Park. VCPA will be co-hosting this walk with CALL.
RSVP Required.

Garden Crew - Afterschool Program (Grades 6-12)
2024-05-01 16:00 - 18:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s afterschool Garden Crew this Spring!
Students in grades 6-12 have the unique opportunity to become involved in their community and learn more about urban agriculture, right here in the Bronx! No garden experience needed.
This is a 6-week opportunity- the more you come, the more you’ll learn!
📅 Dates:

Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024🕐 Time: 4 – 6pm

📍 Location: The VCPA Compost Site and Education Garden is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).
Sign up by Monday, April 29th.
Sign Up Now!
If you have any questions, please contact gardening@vancortlandt.org

Super Seedlings
2024-05-04 10:00 - 12:00
Super Seedlings is a free, drop-in gardening program for kids ages 3-7 and their caregivers.
Each Saturday session will have a fun theme to explore, nature crafts, planting, soil digging, and more!
Come once, twice, or all five weeks for some playing and planting! We hope to see you there!
📅 Dates:

Saturday, May 4th
Saturday, May 11th
Saturday, May 18th
Saturday, June 1st
Saturday, June 8th

🕐 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Location: The VCPA Compost Site and Education Garden is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).
RSVP Now!
Drop-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended.
Please e-mail us with any questions at gardening@vancortlandt.org

Pinkster Festival
2024-05-04 12:00 - 16:00
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pinkster at this year’s Pinkster Festival hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and Kingsbridge Historical Society. Join us on the picturesque lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum for a day filled with vibrant festivities, live music, engaging performances, and immersive experiences.
– Live Music with Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist
– Story of Pinkster with the Pinkster Players
– Stories with April Armstrong, Master Storyteller
– Tours and Chats with Carla & Keyes, Interpreters
– Community Art Project with Tijay Mohammed, Artist
PLUS: Food from Voilà Afrique and crafts for sale!
RSVP Suggested.
What is Pinkster?
Pinkster, a variation of the Dutch word Pinksteren, meaning “Pentecost,” was once a major holiday in colonial New York. The festivities uniquely blended Dutch Christian traditions with African rituals, shaping a distinct cultural celebration for enslaved and free people of African descent.
To learn more about Pinkster watch this video of captivating discussion with local historians, Lavada Nahon and Chief Baba Neil Clarke, as they unravel the significance of Pinkster, exploring its cultural, social, and historical importance.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

Growing Gardeners
2024-05-04 13:30 - 15:00
In 6 Saturday sessions, young gardeners (grades 2-5) can bring their own garden beds to life, right here in the Bronx!
🌻 In this weekly drop-off program, each differently themed session will allow your child to learn about horticulture, make scientific explorations, craft, and journal – all while experiencing the joy of growing their own food! 🌻
📅 Dates:
6 Saturday Sessions

Session 1 – May 4th
Session 2 – May 11th
Session 3 – May 18th
Session 4 – June 1st
Session 5 – June 8th
Session 6 – June 15th
June 22nd – Raindate! Please keep this date available in case we need to cancel one of our sessions due to the weather. *

🕐 Time: 1:30 – 3 pm
Ages: For children in grades 2-5
Cost: $150 for 6-week, 1.5 hr sessions
If registering siblings, select the discounted Sibling Ticket at checkout.
Register Now.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
📍 Location: The VCPA Compost Site and Education Garden is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).
If you have questions, please contact gardening@vancortlandt.org

Wetland & Floodplain Volunteer Days
2024-05-07 09:00 - 12:00
Dates: Tuesday May 7 and Wednesday May 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 9am to 12pm
Meeting Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House
Initially, we will focus on various tasks within the immediate floodplain (final spring plantings, mile-a-minute, garlic mustard, norway maple removal) as we keep an eye out for the start of the water chestnut removal season. As the appropriate time to begin removal approaches, we will gear up with waders and gloves to tackle this invasive plant directly in the water.
No previous experience is required, and we will provide all necessary equipment. Just bring your adventurous spirit, plenty of water, a hat, and an extra pair of socks.
This is a great opportunity to engage in conservation work, learn more about your local ecosystem, and make a significant impact on your park. We look forward to seeing you there and jumping into the water together when the time is right!
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2024-05-10 09:00 - 12:00
Join us at Van Cortlandt Park for a meaningful morning of forest restoration! Dive into spring by helping us remove invasive species like multi-flora rose and garlic mustard. Gear up for some hands-on conservation work and learn about the forest’s ecosystem.
When & Where:

Date: Fridays March 29 and April 5 & 19
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: VCPA Garden Education and Compost Site, across from Riverdale Stables

Activities Include:

Invasive species removal
Educational insights on forest health
Community engagement

What to Bring:

Sturdy shoes and protective clothing
Water/tea and snacks

We Provide:

Tools and gloves
Guidance and support

Get Involved:
Ready to make a difference? Grab your gloves and join us in preserving the beauty of Van Cortlandt Park.
RSVP Now.

Springtime Shindig!
2024-05-16 18:00 - 21:00
Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond, Watercolor by Noel Hefele
Thursday, May 16, 2024
6 to 9 PM
Golf House Terrace • Van Cortlandt Park
Cocktails • Lite Bites • Dessert
Music • Picturesque Setting • Raffle
Visit our Springtime Shindig Page for more details!

Proceeds from the Springtime Shindig support Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education programs for Bronx kids and teens; ecological restoration and research; and community stewardship programs in Van Cortlandt Park.

Woodlawn Beautification Day
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteers needed to care for and beautify the wildflower patch and area around Woodlawn Playground in Van Cortlandt Park.
Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the area around Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include removing non-native invasive plants, planting native species and general clean-up around the playground and in the wildflower patch.
Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.
All work tools and supplies will be provided.
RSVP Now.
Save the Date for our next Woodlawn Beautification Day: Saturday, June 15 from 10am to 12pm.

Barefoot Dancing with Yahaya Kamate
2024-05-18 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and dance on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with West African Drumming and Dance with Yahaya Kamate and friends. Yahaya Kamate is a teaching artist with the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
This cultural enrichment event is fun for the whole family- parents and kids of all ages welcome.
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
RSVP Suggested.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Barefoot Dancing with Estelle Walkin
2024-06-01 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and learn to dance Samba on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with Estelle Walkin featuring Escalante Amaru (Music Medicine) who will be playing Brazilian music.
Estelle Walkin is a teaching artist with the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
This cultural enrichment event is fun for the whole family- parents and kids of all ages welcome.
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
RSVP Suggested.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.
